Michael Keating is associate director of research partnerships at Chatham House, where he has initiated and directed a number of projects, for example on political transition in Afghanistan, and on natural resources, energy and humanitarian issues. Until the end of 2012, he was deputy special representative of the UN secretary-general in Afghanistan. His UN career has included development, humanitarian and political responsibilities in the Middle East, Africa, Geneva and New York.

He is an adviser on conflict resolution and continues to undertake assignments for the UN, most recently on a plan of action entitled Rights Up Front to strengthen the UN's role in protecting people at risk of violation, notably in Syria. His career has included serving as director of the Africa Progress Panel, running a communication consultancy, and working in publishing and television.

He has contributed to a wide range of academic and other publications, and serves on the board of a number of non-profit organizations promoting environmental, health and education issues. He has an MA in history from the University of Cambridge.

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